Managing Demand for Urban Trips

Another idea is to manage the demand – the number of  trips generated daily. 

Transport Demand Management (TDM) is a way to reduce the number of trips, alter the time that a trip occurs, or eliminate the necessity for the trip. It also aims to optimize single-occupancy vehicle trips and foster more sustainable choices, thus increasing transport system equity and affordability.

• Vehicles with one driver are discouraged and vehicles with multiple occupants encouraged. 
• Using public transportation is encouraged.
• Active methods of transportation like cycling and walking are encouraged.
• Patterns of easing traffic congestion and keeping polluting vehicles away from certain areas are encouraged.

Such policies are gaining momentum, since they spread peak hour trips, relieving public transport occupancy-agglomeration.

TDM strategies are less expensive and quick to implement — and can have measurable impacts in the short term.